To dilute essential oils with coconut oil, typically you'll want to use fractionated coconut oil and mix it with your essential oil, usually at a ratio of 5 parts coconut oil to 1 part essential oil, but this can be adjusted.
Here's a breakdown of how to effectively dilute essential oils using coconut oil:
Why Use Coconut Oil?
Fractionated coconut oil is a popular carrier oil because:
- It's odorless, so it won't interfere with the scent of the essential oil.
- It absorbs readily into the skin.
- It's liquid at room temperature, making it easy to mix.
- It has a long shelf life.
- It's non-greasy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Dilution
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Choose Fractionated Coconut Oil: Ensure you're using fractionated coconut oil. This type of coconut oil has had the long-chain fatty acids removed, making it liquid at room temperature. Regular coconut oil is solid at room temperature and less ideal for blending.
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Select Your Essential Oil: Decide which essential oil you want to use and understand its properties and potential skin sensitivities.
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Determine the Correct Dilution Ratio: The appropriate dilution ratio depends on several factors:
- Age: Children and the elderly require higher dilutions.
- Sensitivity: Individuals with sensitive skin require higher dilutions.
- Essential Oil: Some essential oils are "hotter" (more irritating) than others and require higher dilutions.
- Application Area: Larger areas may benefit from a lower essential oil concentration.
Here’s a general guideline:
Dilution Essential Oil Drops per 1 oz (30ml) of Carrier Oil Typical Use Case 0.5% 3 drops Children, Elderly, Sensitive Skin 1% 6 drops General Body Massage, Daily Use 2% 12 drops Targeted Application, Specific Issues 3% 18 drops Short-term use for acute problems 5-10% 30-60 drops Not generally recommended for regular use without expert guidance. Spot treatments only, with caution. Important Note: The 5:1 ratio (five parts coconut oil to one part essential oil) is a general guideline, roughly equivalent to a 15-20% dilution. Start with lower dilutions, especially when trying a new essential oil or when using it on sensitive individuals.
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Mix the Oils:
- Small Batch: Pour a small amount of fractionated coconut oil into a clean glass or ceramic dish (plastic can degrade over time with some essential oils).
- Add Essential Oil: Carefully add the required number of drops of essential oil according to your chosen dilution ratio.
- Blend Thoroughly: Gently stir the mixture with a clean glass or stainless steel stir rod until fully combined.
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Test Patch (Important!): Before applying the diluted oil to a large area of skin, perform a patch test. Apply a small amount to a discreet area (like the inside of your wrist) and wait 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions.
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Apply: Once you’ve confirmed there are no adverse reactions, apply the diluted essential oil to the desired area.
Example:
Let's say you want to create a 1% dilution of lavender essential oil with fractionated coconut oil in a 1 oz (30 ml) bottle.
- You need 6 drops of lavender essential oil.
- Fill the rest of the 1 oz bottle with fractionated coconut oil.
- Shake gently to combine.
Cautions:
- Always use high-quality, therapeutic-grade essential oils from a reputable source.
- Never apply undiluted essential oils directly to the skin (with very few exceptions as directed by a qualified aromatherapist).
- Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical conditions, consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils.
